Captain Will “Pyro” DuBois

On December 1, 2014 the world lost a hero, a beloved son, husband, brother, uncle, and friend to all who crossed his path. Will “Pyro” DuBois was born on August 14, 1984 and lived a life of adventure, travel, sports, love, and immense friendship in his short 30 years. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Ashley; his father and mother, Ham and Donna; his sister, Devon; his young nephew, Karsen; and his adorable lab puppy, Delta.

His youth was spent in constant motion: harassing his sister, and participating in sports of all kinds from basketball, soccer, baseball, and swimming to eventing horses competing in the North American Young Riders Championship. While attending Rifle High School, Will was involved in choir, soccer, track, school plays, the National Honor Society, and was elected Senior class president.

The Air Force awarded Will a full ride ROTC scholarship in Aerospace Engineering which allowed him to graduate with honors at University of Colorado in Boulder including the Distinguished Graduate award from the 105th ROTC detachment unit. Daniel Kulp, a friend of DuBois, posted on the Air Force ROTC Detachment 105 Alumni Chapter Facebook page that “we all owe him a debt of gratitude. He was a great leader, cared deeply about his friends and family and was just the nicest damn guy I ever met,” Kulp wrote. “He was generous, kind, and at the same time had the heart of a true warrior. He was larger than life, but didn’t have the ego to realize it, only confidence that comes from being good at your job due to hard work and dedication.”

Although Will was dedicated to academics, leadership, and becoming the best Air Force officer, he found time to join the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Upon graduation he learned that he was accepted into an elite pilot training program, ENJEPT (Euro Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training) at Sheppard Air Force base and proceeded on to F16 training at Luke AFB.

His first assignment in 2011 was Kunsan, Korean where he proudly flew for the 35th fighter squadron, known as the Pantons, and earned the call sign, Pyro. It was there that he met the love of his life, Ashley Jones. In September 2013, he returned to the states with his bride to be, and was based at Shaw AFB in the 77th fighter squadron, the Gamblers, also known as “the worlds greatest”.

Ashley and Will married just days before he was deployed to the middle-east. Their time together was much too short. Ashley had these words to say, “I close my eyes and hear him laughing and see him smile and I’m forever grateful for all the love and joy that he brought to my life. Push it up and double down my love.”

Family held the highest priority in his life. He made everyone around him better. DuBois’ sister Devon said her brother “is the most amazing, loving, caring person I have ever known. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He died doing what he loved, and I hope one day that will help give us some peace.”